A Healthy Mouth is a Gateway to a Healthy Body

22 Jun A Healthy Mouth is a Gateway to a Healthy Body

Daily brushing and flossing coupled with a visit to the dentist every six months for a complete teeth cleaning, polishing, and dental exam to catch potential problems in their earliest stages are the best ways to protect your oral health. But did you know that lapses in dental care can impact your overall health as well?

Research continues to link the incidence of diseases of the mouth to immune disorders like diabetes and arthritis; in addition, the correlation between gum disease and those suffering from heart disease demands further study.

If you have an illness, all parts of your body may suffer. But the same can be said if you are experiencing problems associated with your teeth and/or gums.

A toothache can totally ruin your ability to function at work or play. And if you ignore that toothache or try to mask the discomfort with analgesics, the problem can escalate.

Dental decay or gum disease often starts due to an inefficient or missing daily hygiene regimen. Brushing twice daily with a fluoridated tooth paste is essential; flossing at least once per day will remove the food debris your tooth brush may have missed; visiting the dentist every six months for a proper cleaning will allow plaque built up since your last visit to be removed.

If you are not in compliance with these basic oral care functions you are running the risk of experiencing dental problems. These can include dental decay or gum disease. And that’s not even mentioning the problems associated with dental trauma that can lead to broken or lost teeth.

If you have lost teeth, you may experience remaining teeth shifting creating bite issues. Lost teeth may mean adjustments in your diet that could prevent consumption of nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables. A daily diet that lacks proper nutrition impacts the body’s overall health.

Other detrimental actions that can affect both your oral and overall health include tobacco use; illicit drug use; over consumption of alcohol; unhealthy snacks and beverages; lack of proper hydration; and insufficient rest.

Providing excellent care for your oral health may not prevent the onset of physical ailments, but patients that honor the needs to take the best care of their teeth as possible will likely enjoy the use of their own teeth for their lifetime.

We work closely with you and carry out research to understand your needs and wishes.